Computer Tomography (CT) C-arm system and method for examination of an object

Abstract

A Computer Tomography (CT) C-arm system and method for examination of an object is provided. The Computer Tomography (CT) C-arm system for examination of an object of interest, the CT- C-arm system comprises an X-ray tube adapted for generating X-rays, an X-ray detection unit to acquire a set of CT slices, wherein the X-ray tube, and the X-ray detection unit are adapted to be rotatable on a C-arm around a common axis around the object under examination and a processing unit by which the following steps are executable: acquiring a first 3D data volume of the CT slices using first scan parameters; adjusting the first data volume to a second data volume (segmented volume) such that voxel values of the first data volume of at least one predefined range of Hounsfield (H) are set to an at least one predefined H-value; generating a forward projection of the second data volume using the first scan parameters; reconstructing the projection to a third data volume; generating a fourth data volume (artefact-only volume) by subtracting the third volume with the second volume; generating a fifth volume by adding the first volume with the fourth volume.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a Computer Tomography (CT) C-arm system and a method for examination of an object. Further, the invention relates to a computer readable medium and a program element. More particular, the invention relates to a correction of 3D angular underscanning artefacts.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0002]Systems for producing an image of a physical object are widespread in several technical fields. One area of particular commercial interest is in the field of CT C-arm systems i.e. C-arm systems which are capable of CT-like 3D imaging. Good 3D image quality requires a C-arm rotation range of at least 180° plus fan angle.[0003]In some medical or other cases it may be desirable to reduce the rotation range of the C-arm. One reason could be that the examination process is faster and therefore more economically. Also, a lower number of examined CT slices due to the reduced rotation range of the object causes less influences of X-rays to the object. Further, m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes an improved CT C-arm system and method for better image quality. The system uses a pre-knowledge of anatomy to adjust the data volume and remove image artifacts caused by bone-tissue boundaries. The method also allows for faster and more reliable scanning of an object under examination. Overall, the invention provides a more accurate and reliable tool for examination and diagnosis.

Problems solved by technology

Further, most C-arm systems have a limited angular range itself.

However, the image reconstruction of a CT-data volume of CT slices with an angular range of much less than 180° plus fan angle may cause an unacceptable level of strong artefacts due to the fact of strong density variations on material boundaries of the examined object of interest.

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